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MINI Cooper R56 problems (2006–2013)

All 4 engines of the MINI Cooper R56 that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the BMW N47, the 1.6 HDi, the 1.6 THP and the 1.4/1.6 VTi. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 1.4/1.6 VTi, with a «With caution» verdict.[1][2][3]

Outside the engine: Away from the engine, the MINI Cooper R56 has no major documented recalls: the faults owners cite most are wear in the manual gearbox and clutch, power steering faults, air conditioning leaks, fatigue of the electric window cable and noises from the front suspension. In 2010 the ADAC ranked the MINI among the cars with the fewest breakdowns in its class.[4][5]

MINI Cooper R56 (2006–2013)
Photo: Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468104.7out of 10

MINI Cooper R56 rating: low reliability

Calculated using only 27 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated

  • Engine3.2From 1.3 to 4.8 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox6.81 fault
  • Suspension9.31 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Brakes8.31 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering8.91 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Electrical system7.92 faults
  • Headlights and lights7.3Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.1 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
  • Climate control8.61 fault
  • Bodywork and interior8.22 faults and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults

Ranked 29 of 29 among the city cars with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the MINI Cooper R56

  1. 1Critical severity: Rear timing chain stretch and breakageBMW N47 engine · repair €1,590–€3,000
  2. 2Critical severity: Broken intake manifold swirl flapsBMW N47 engine
  3. 3Critical severity: Timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012)1.6 THP engine
  4. 4High severity: Turbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter)1.6 HDi engine · repair €700–€1,050
  5. 5High severity: Timing belt failure and premature wear1.6 HDi engine

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

35 sourcesHow we work

BMW N47

BMW N47 (N47D20 / N47C16 / N47C20) · Diesel

In the Cooper R56
2010–2013[6][7][8]
Names
Cooper D · Cooper SD
Faults that affect it
5 · 3 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
87
Very high risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

Faults that affect the Cooper R56

  1. Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentTimingRear timing chain stretch and breakageYes: the N47 has its timing chain at the rear of the engine, next to the gearbox, and on a very high proportion of units, especially those built between 2007 and 2009, it stretches or breaks prematurely because of an inadequate tensioner, with a risk of destroying the engine.Repair (garage): €1,590–€3,000Appears at around 50,000 km
  2. Critical severityFrequency: CommonIntakeBroken intake manifold swirl flapsYes: the N47's intake manifold has plastic swirl flaps that, with diesel soot and the passing years, can crack, come loose and be sucked into the cylinder, with a risk of seriously damaging the piston, cylinder head and valves.
  3. High severityFrequency: CommonTurboTurbo and wastegate valve failureThe N47's turbo does not usually fail from general wear, but because of failure of the wastegate valve, which regulates boost and can seize or lose adjustment, sending fuel consumption soaring; oil leaks from the turbo itself are also common.Repair (garage): €900–€1,800
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged or seized EGR valveYes, as on most diesels of its generation: the N47's EGR valve seizes or clogs with carbon, especially on cars used in town, causing an unstable idle, jerking and loss of power; it is not usually a serious fault if it is cleaned or replaced in time.Repair (garage): €400–€1,500
  5. Medium severityFrequency: CommonClutchDual-mass flywheel wear (manual gearbox versions)Yes: on manual-gearbox BMW N47s, the dual-mass flywheel can wear, especially after a lot of town mileage or driving in high gears at low revs; the typical symptoms are vibrations, a metallic rattle at idle and jerking when pulling away.Appears at around 150,000 km

Cooper R56 BMW N47 pageAll versions and faults of the BMW N47

1.6 HDi

PSA/Ford 1.6 HDi, e-HDi, TDCi and BlueHDi (DV6) · Diesel

In the Cooper R56
2007–2009[9][10]
Name
Cooper D
Faults that affect it
5 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
70
High risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 1.6 HDi 110 16V DPF (DV6TED4, 2004-2011)2004–2011 · 109–110 hp · DV6TED4, 9HY, 9HZ

    With caution

    It is the version with the most complaints in the family (turbo, injection, EGR, DPF and dual-mass flywheel). It is only worth it with demonstrable maintenance and, if the turbo has already been replaced, with the complete cleaning procedure documented on the invoice.[11][12][13]

Faults that affect the Cooper R56

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.6 HDi has 7 documented faults in total.

  1. High severityFrequency: Very frequentTurboTurbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter)On the 16-valve 1.6 HDi/TDCi engines (2004-2011) the turbo can seize because carbon deposits from the oil clog the mesh filter in the union that feeds it. It is a serious, repeat fault: if only the turbo is replaced without cleaning the circuit, it fails again.Repair (garage): €700–€1,050
  2. High severityFrequency: Very frequentTimingTiming belt failure and premature wearOn the 8-valve 1.6 HDi/e-HDi 112/115 built between October 2010 and September 2011 the belt could break and leave the car stranded. PSA covered the repair and in 2014 preventively replaced the belt and crankshaft sprocket on those that had passed 120,000 km.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: CommonInjectionLeaks at the injector washers and carbon build-up in the cylinder headIt is common for the copper washers of the 1.6 HDi injectors to stop sealing: the engine blows gases, carbon forms around the injector and soot gets into the oil. It is cheap to repair, but if left it contaminates the oil and is one of the causes of turbo failure.Repair (garage): €110–€310
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlAdditive-fed particulate filter (Eolys cerine): depleted additive and cloggingThe DPF on the 1.6 HDi and BlueHDi works with an additive (cerine) that runs out at 80,000-120,000 km and has to be topped up for around €100-120 (price in Spain). With a lot of town use the filter clogs and the warning appears; if it is left, a new DPF costs around €1,500.Repair (garage): €100–€1,500Appears at around 80,000 km
  5. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlDirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaksThe 1.6 HDi EGR valve gets dirty easily, especially in town use, and causes jerking and stalling at idle. On the 8V engines the EGR cooler also fails, consuming coolant with no visible leaks.

Cooper R56 1.6 HDi pageAll versions and faults of the 1.6 HDi

1.6 THP

PSA/BMW 1.6 THP and 1.6 VTi (familia Prince, EP6) · Petrol

In the Cooper R56
2006–2013[5]
Names
Cooper · Cooper S · John Cooper Works
Faults that affect it
5 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
64
High risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

Faults that affect the Cooper R56

  1. Critical severityFrequency: CommonTimingTiming chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012)Yes: on the turbo versions of the 1.6 THP, built mostly before 2012, the timing chain and its tensioner wear out prematurely; if the chain jumps teeth, the engine can go out of time or seize. BMW, co-designer of the block, issued a technical bulletin on this fault in 2013.
  2. High severityFrequency: CommonCoolingFragile water pump and heat exchangerYes: both the naturally aspirated 1.6 VTi and the turbo 1.6 THP share, according to fiches-auto.fr, a water pump and a heat exchanger described as fragile; in the most serious cases, the resulting overheating has gone as far as damaging the cylinder head.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: CommonInjectionHigh-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on the turbo versionsThe high-pressure pump that feeds the direct injection of the turbo (THP) versions can fail. MINI, which uses the same block in the Cooper S, extended the warranty on this part in 2010 to 10 years or 192,000 km for 2007-2009 models in the US, without the need for a recall.
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonLubricationOil consumption on the turbo versionsYes: oil consumption between changes is one of the defects that the French motoring press repeatedly associates with the turbo versions of the 1.6 THP, used by Peugeot, Citroën and MINI. We have not found that PSA or BMW acknowledged a specific campaign or extended warranty for this reason.
  5. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalIgnitionSpark plugs and ignition coils that wear out early on the 1.6 THPOn the 1.6 THP turbo a noticeable minority of owners replace spark plugs and coils earlier than expected: fiches-auto.fr records ignition warnings in 12% of opinions on the 200 hp THP. It causes judder and the engine warning light.

Cooper R56 1.6 THP pageAll versions and faults of the 1.6 THP

1.4/1.6 VTi

Safest option

PSA/BMW 1.4 VTi and 1.6 VTi atmosféricos (familia Prince, EP3/EP6) · Petrol

In the Cooper R56
2007–2013[5][16]
Names
One · Cooper
Faults that affect it
3 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
52
High risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • 1.4 16v / VTi (EP3, N12; 90-98 hp)2004–2015 · 90–98 hp · EP3, N12

    With caution

    It shares with the rest of the Prince family the risk of timing chain and tensioner wear flagged by a specialist German garage, and fiches-auto.fr documents frequent oil consumption in this displacement; however, it does not inherit the problems specific to the direct injection of the turbo versions.[1][2]

  • 1.6 16v / VTi (EP6/EP6C, N12/N16; 118-121 hp)2007–2015 · 118–121 hp · EP6, EP6C, N12, N16

    With caution

    It shares with the rest of the Prince family the risk of timing chain and tensioner wear flagged by a specialist German garage, and fiches-auto.fr documents both frequent oil consumption and a fragile water pump and heat exchanger, shared with MINI and with the turbocharged 1.6 THP.[1][2][3]

Faults that affect the Cooper R56

  1. High severityFrequency: CommonCoolingFragile water pump (and expansion tank or heat exchanger, depending on displacement)Yes: fiches-auto.fr describes a fragile water pump in both the 1.4 VTi (with an expansion tank prone to leaks) and the 1.6 VTi (with the heat exchanger), a cooling problem that the turbocharged 1.6 THP inherits from this naturally aspirated version.
  2. Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingWear of the timing chain and tensionerYes, although with fewer documented cases than on the turbocharged 1.6 THP: a German garage says the timing chain and its tensioner can wear in any version of the Prince family, including the naturally aspirated one, although the most reported cases in forums are on the turbo engine.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: CommonLubricationOil consumption on the 1.4 and 1.6 VTi versionsYes: fiches-auto.fr documents frequent oil consumption in both the 1.4 VTi (93 of 245 reports) and the 1.6 VTi (173 of 533 reports). We have not found that PSA or BMW have acknowledged a specific campaign or extended warranty for this reason.

Cooper R56 1.4/1.6 VTi pageAll versions and faults of the 1.4/1.6 VTi

Faults of the MINI Cooper R56 outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

What the MOT inspection finds on the MINI Cooper R56

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 3,094 inspections of 1,050 cars registered between 2007 and 2013, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 7.7%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 5.6% of inspections; in cars of its age, 7.7%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 2.8%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 25.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 23.9%.

    Average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.8%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 3.8% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.7%.

    Average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 10.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 5.8%.

    More defects than average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 5.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 5.1%.

    Average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 17.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 17.5%.

    Average

The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl

Checklist for buying a used MINI Cooper R56

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the BMW N47 (2010–2013)

Rear timing chain stretch and breakage

Critical severity

Broken intake manifold swirl flaps

Critical severity

Turbo and wastegate valve failure

High severity

Clogged or seized EGR valve

Medium severity

Dual-mass flywheel wear (manual gearbox versions)

Medium severity

If it has the 1.6 HDi (2007–2009)

Turbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter)

High severity

Timing belt failure and premature wear

High severity

Leaks at the injector washers and carbon build-up in the cylinder head

Medium severity

Additive-fed particulate filter (Eolys cerine): depleted additive and clogging

Medium severity

Dirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaks

Medium severity

If it has the 1.6 THP (2006–2013)

Timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012)

Critical severity

Fragile water pump and heat exchanger

High severity

High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on the turbo versions

Medium severity

Oil consumption on the turbo versions

Medium severity

Spark plugs and ignition coils that wear out early on the 1.6 THP

Medium severity

If it has the 1.4/1.6 VTi (2007–2013)

Fragile water pump (and expansion tank or heat exchanger, depending on displacement)

High severity

Wear of the timing chain and tensioner

Critical severity

Oil consumption on the 1.4 and 1.6 VTi versions

Medium severity

Wear parts for the MINI Cooper R56

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

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Own a MINI Cooper R56? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the MINI Cooper R56 reliable?

All 4 engines of the MINI Cooper R56 that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the BMW N47, the 1.6 HDi, the 1.6 THP and the 1.4/1.6 VTi. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 1.4/1.6 VTi, with a «With caution» verdict. Away from the engine, the MINI Cooper R56 has no major documented recalls: the faults owners cite most are wear in the manual gearbox and clutch, power steering faults, air conditioning leaks, fatigue of the electric window cable and noises from the front suspension. In 2010 the ADAC ranked the MINI among the cars with the fewest breakdowns in its class.

Which MINI Cooper R56 engine is the most reliable?

Among the 4 engines we have documented, none has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 1.4/1.6 VTi, with a «With caution» verdict. It shares with the rest of the Prince family the risk of timing chain and tensioner wear flagged by a specialist German garage, and fiches-auto.fr documents frequent oil consumption in this displacement; however, it does not inherit the problems specific to the direct injection of the turbo versions.[1][2]

What problems does the MINI Cooper R56 have apart from the engine?

Away from the engine, the MINI Cooper R56 has no major documented recalls: the faults owners cite most are wear in the manual gearbox and clutch, power steering faults, air conditioning leaks, fatigue of the electric window cable and noises from the front suspension. In 2010 the ADAC ranked the MINI among the cars with the fewest breakdowns in its class. The most important documented faults are: noise and premature wear of the manual gearbox and clutch (gearbox and clutch, high severity), power steering faults: pump, play and electrical supply (steering, medium severity), air conditioning leaks from the condenser and pipes (climate control, medium severity) and window cable fatigue on the electric windows, with water leaks (electrical system, medium severity).[4][5]

What faults does the MINI Cooper R56 have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: rear timing chain stretch and breakage (BMW N47, critical severity), broken intake manifold swirl flaps (BMW N47, critical severity), timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012) (1.6 THP, critical severity), turbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter) (1.6 HDi, high severity) and timing belt failure and premature wear (1.6 HDi, high severity).

What is the best year to buy a MINI Cooper R56?

According to our rating by year, the best are 2013, 2009, 2008 and 1 other years with the same rating (5.0/10); the worst rated is 2010 (4.7/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Moteurs essence qui consomment de l'huileFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Tickende Zeitbombe: So zuverlässig ist der Prince-Motor von PSA und BMWGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. Liste des moteurs qui ont des soucis de refroidissementFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Tous les problèmes sur Mini Mini 2006-2013 (261 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Mini HatchWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. N47C16A MotorMotorinsel · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  7. N47C20A MotorMotorinsel · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  8. 2012 Mini Cooper 1.6 D Diesel Engine N47C16A365 Engines · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  9. Motor PSA DVWikipedia (es) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. Turbo Garrett 753420 (GT1544V) para 1.6 HDI 110 CVAML Turbos · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Essai, avis et fiabilité des 1.6 HDI 110 chFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  12. Fiabilité 1.6 HDIFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · published 22 April 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  13. Boletín de servicio: sustitución del turbo en motores DV6 (versión reducida de la Información de servicio nº 77)Turbotec · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  14. Distribution : les moteurs à problèmesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published April 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  15. BMW Recalls Fuel Pumps. Mini Does NotMotoringFile · Motoring press · published 27 October 2010 · consulted 27 September 2026
  16. Prince engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  17. El problema de la cadena de distribución en los motores N47 de BMWSeis en Línea · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  18. Problema cadena BMW motor N47, qué hacer y solucionesRecomotor Blog · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  19. Precio sustitución cadenas motor N47 BMW MINIArroyo Auto, Especialista BMW MINI · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  20. BMW N47Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  21. BMW N47 Timing Chain Failure: Symptoms & How to Get a ResolutionFaultyCar.co.uk · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  22. Problemas con la Cadena de Distribución en Motores BMW N47Autotrac Vinaròs · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  23. 5 Signs of BMW N47 Swirl Flap Problems You Can't IgnoreApexx Engines · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  24. Motor BMW N47: problemas, modelos y qué revisarCarexam · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  25. Problemas del motor N47 BMWEcorecambios · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  26. Dual-mass flywheel BMW: symptoms, failures and when to replace itRecambios y Accesorios BMW · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  27. PSA 1.6 HDi Turbocharger Failure & Fitting WarningTurbo Pacs · Technical documentation · published September 2010 · consulted 26 September 2026
  28. Fallos del turbo 1.6 HDi: cómo evitar que tu motor muera de sedReman Motor Parts · Other source · published 14 August 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  29. Sustitución del turbocompresor en un motor 1.6 HDi PSAAvima Motor · Technical documentation · published 20 December 2017 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  30. Fiabilité Citroën Peugeot. Le bloc 1.6 HDi 8 soupapes est-il fiable ? (1.6 HDi 112/115)L'argus · Motoring press · published 23 March 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  31. Plan d'entretien 308 (T9) Diesel 1.6 BlueHDi 100 S&S BVM5Peugeot (documento alojado en forum-peugeot.com) · Manufacturer · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  32. Fiabilité Citroën Peugeot. Le bloc 1.6 HDi 8 soupapes est-il fiable ?L'argus · Motoring press · published 23 March 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  33. Changer les joints d'injecteurs 1.6 HDI : procédure et étapesInjecteurland · Technical documentation · published 23 January 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  34. El filtro de partículas en motores diéselMidcar · Technical documentation · published 18 October 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  35. Cómo funciona el filtro de partículas de PSACarbon Cleaner · Other source · published 13 February 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish